This weekend on a shoestring: June 2-5, 2011

• According to its bio, “The Discordian Society is an eclectic combination of funk, jazz and rock, with influences that range from Zappa and John Zorn, to Jaco Pastorius and Les Claypool.” The band performs with self-described “Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Funk” trio Consider the Source at Mellow Mushroom (50 Broadway St., 236-9800). 11 p.m. $6.

• “Pet guardians are invited to bring their well-behaved, leashed dogs for doggie ice cream treats and homemade people treats with proceeds benefiting Animal Compassion Network’s foster and adoption programs,” reads a release for The Hop‘s Doggie Ice Cream Social (640 Merrimon Ave. #103, 254-2224). “Your furry friends will be able to try The Hop’s homemade ‘Happy Tails’ ice cream made just for dogs. Doggie ice cream is made from yogurt, peanut butter and banana, with protein added. It’s good for your dog and a great treat!” 6-8 p.m.

Friday, June 3

• The Thomas Wolfe Memorial (52 North Market St., 253-8304) continues its monthly summer music series, “Pickin’ on the Porch,” with bluegrass from The Time Bandits. Noon-2 p.m. Free.

• You’re never too old to enjoy a scoop of delicious ice cream, and one could argue that you’re never too old to enjoy a good puppet show either. So whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between, head over to The Hop West (721 Haywood Road, 252-5155) for a little of each as Cripps Puppets brings “unique hand carved marionettes” to life with “song, improvised interaction and pun.” 6-8:30 p.m.

Reads The Honeycutters’ bio, “In a world that is becoming increasingly digitalized and impersonal, the Honeycutters are building a reputation based on live performance and songs that tend to stick with you. Singer/songwriter Amanda Anne Platt has been hailed as ‘one of the best songwriters coming out of WNC these days’ by WNCW programming director Martin Anderson, and her voice has been described as ‘perfectly unadorned’ and ‘recklessly beautiful.’ Lead guitarist and producer Peter James complements Platt’s vocals with seamless harmonies and tasteful instrumentation. Spencer Taylor on mandolin, Ian Harrod on bass and Richard Foulk on the drums effortlessly round out the Honeycutters sound, creating an original brand of Americana that has proved equally appealing to both the musician and the music lover, the country and the city, and the old and the young.” The band plays at The Blue Note (114 North Main St., Hendersonville, 697-6828). 9 p.m.

• If you haven’t caught one of The Magnetic Field‘s Magnetic Midnights, a monthly performance open mic, you’re in luck: This weekend, the theater hosts “13 of the best pieces from the first five months of Magnetic Midnight” at The Best of Magnetic Midnight, featuring pieces from Julian Vorus, Ryan Madden, Drew Meyer, Nathan Zumwalt, Keith Campbell and more. 11 p.m. $8.

Saturday, June 4

• There’s already been a lot of talk about ice cream, so why not continue feeding that sweet tooth at the Village of Flat Rock Ice Cream Social, featuring free ice cream, clowns, balloon animals and historic walking tours. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Later in the evening, local singer/songwriter Tom Fisch will perform on the back deck of Little Rainbow Row (at the corner of Greenville Highway and West Blue Ridge Road) as part of the Summer Music in Flat Rock series. 6-8 p.m. Free.

• “Tennessee Hollow takes pride in its roots,” reads the band’s bio. “Raised on a mixture of early-century acoustic blues and classic rock, the band is comprised of lead singer Dave Dribbon, slide guitarist Chris Budro, Trevor Stoia on bass, and drummer Micah Thomas. Dave and Chris, the backbone of the band, met at Berklee College of Music in Boston and immediately began writing songs together. What emerged was a blend of swampy rock and stripped down acoustic blues and folk which American Songwriter Magazine compared to Led Zeppelin’s broken down blues tunes.” See for yourself at the French Broad Brewery‘s Tasting Room. 6-8 p.m. Free.

Murphy’s Kids performs a mix of reggae, rock and soul. According to a release from the band, “Murphy’s Kids has been spreading their music and message across the nation over the last 11 years. They hang their career on their live show and their breadth of styles and seamless transitions make for a heady mix. Having released four independent EP’s and a full-length on Community Records, they keep their recording schedule busy as well. They are recording and releasing another full-length later this summer.” Get a preview of that forthcoming release, along with a sampling of the band’s back catalog this weekend at The Boiler Room (11 Grove St., 505-1612). 9 p.m. $7.

Sunday, June 5

• Wages formed from the ashes of successful local rock outfit Arizona, but the indie duo has surpassed its predecessor with a melodic and intricate blend of rock that goes far beyond what one would expect from a guitar and drum combo. The band performs at the back stage of The LAB (39 North Lexington Avenue, 252-0212) with Sky Lake and Birdlips. 9:30 p.m. $5-$7.